Manu Onboard ?

First topic message reminder :

Maybe, depending on evidence of injury recovery (hamstring strain) fitness and form on his return to imminent club duty.
Might be in shape in time to face Wales at Twickenham. Farrell /Tuilagi would bolster defence, but Manu needs to involve Joseph in attack. Sucking in defenders will be one way, but offloading is where I'd like to see Manu make improvement.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Eddie Jones is not a dumb manager, he will not parachute Tuilagi into this England team after a long injury absence.

Ireland made that mistake so I cant see any reason why England would do the same, especially in such a big match that could decide England's chances of a GS.

Who did Ireland make that mistake with?

O'Brien?

Involved in the RWC and with Leinster this season. Manu Tuilagi has been out of the England team for about 2 years. How many games for Leicester in that time as well? Ireland haven't brought in any players back from injury who weren't involved in the RWC or involved with their respective provinces this season.

I don't know, I just assumed he could be the one who was being referred to.

Manu onboard?

he hasn't jumped off a boat again has he?

No one has mentioned that Jones want Manu as a 12, not a 13. How many times has he played there?

Calling him up to play against Wales after so long out would be risky. Calling him up to play at 12 would be doubly so.

Possibly a bench slot, as he can also cover wing?

Alex_Germany wrote:No one has mentioned that Jones want Manu as a 12, not a 13. How many times has he played there?

Oh it has been mentioned - just not on this thread. From memory Manu has one (maybe two) caps at 12. The game I remember was in SA and featured JJ at 13. He wore the 12 shirt against Quins at the weekend and against Stade in the ERCC. He was a 12 in the academy and in his first appearance for the first team - but used only intermittently there since.